One of France's most under-explored regions — despite boasting two terrific UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Aude has a rich history, beautiful landscapes and a reputation for excellent food and wine. Known as ‘Cathar Country’, this south-western French gem is dotted with ancient villages studded with stone houses, ivy-clad mansions and old châteaux. Whether you’re a keen hiker or history buff, you’ll find an endless array of attractions here — and the accommodation options to match. Characterful and cosy, our pick of the best places to stay in the Aude are set both within its vibrant cities and tranquil villages, perfect for trips as a couple or with family and friends.

Lively Narbonne is a hotspot for culture aficionados, who can admire its many marvellous museums, as well as dipping into a vibrant food and nightlife scene. Fabled fortified Carcassonne, on the other hand, is perhaps the region’s most famous draw, with its ancient ramparts, craggy towers and winding streets. You’ll also find a number of Aude’s top restaurants in and around the medieval city. The smaller communities of Couiza and Cucugnan are lovely for more laid-back holidays, as are the cottages and villas hidden in amidst vineyards and forests.

Avid hikers, mountain bikers and horse riders can explore trails aplenty in the area, whilst kayakers and bird watchers can meander along slow-moving rivers or discover the picturesque Canal du Midi. Barge trips are immensely popular during the summer months. Follow the Cathar Trail from the foothills of the French Pyrenees to the ruined mountaintop Château de Peyrepertuse, unwind in refreshing swimming pools with valley views, or savour regional dishes at the best places to stay in Aude. Summers can be busy, so book your trip well in advance!

The Best Places to Stay in Aude

FOR A CHARMING B&B

• La Tourette is a charming B&B with individually decorated guestrooms featuring colourful textiles and modern bathrooms. Tuck into big homemade breakfasts, curl up in the library or enjoy a soak in the terrace hot tub. An intimate, relaxing choice in Cucugnan.
• La Souqueto has three B&B rooms close to the banks of the Canal du Midi. A welcoming little guesthouse with award-winning hospitality, ideal for embarking on barge trips through the Aude countryside.
• Villa Ambrosia is a funky B&B with just five bright, bold rooms within walking distance of central Narbonne. One for romantic couples or groups of friends — who can book the whole place — the villa has a tropical garden, swimming pool, jacuzzi and massage room. A hip, sociable bolthole.
• Domaine Michaud is an elegant, family-run B&B with soothing cream and white rooms, an inviting dining room for big breakfasts, and events spaces for intimate weddings. The garden boasts a pool, hot tub and stunning views of Carcassonne and the mountains. Very intimate.
• Camellas-Lloret has four unique guestrooms, each exuding classic French charm. Expect marble fireplaces, big windows and neutral cream, grey and white interiors. A stylish B&B in Montréal, a hilltop village 20 minutes from Carcassonne.

For Foodies

• Le Parc Hôtel is a swish, seven-guestroom spot just outside Carcassonne. Think sliding glass doors leading to private terraces, big beds and inviting seating areas. The highlight is the two Michelin-starred La Table de Franck Putelat, where the chef seeks the true essence of his ingredients through creative set menus, such as 'Emotion' and 'Action Reaction'. Very sophisticated.
• Le Domaine d'Auriac offers an immensely luxurious stay. Elegant rooms and suites feature high ceilings and classic interiors. The golf course is fabulous, but the real foodie draw is the Michelin-starred Bernard Rigaudis Restaurant, where Chef Philippe Deschamps serves mounth-watering regional dishes in a traditional setting. Try the 'Grand Menu de Saison'.

For Romance

• Hôtel du Château sits alongside the ramparts of medieval Carcassonne. A historic façade gives way to more contemporary interiors bedecked with rich textiles, indulgent bathrooms, a superb spa and a very swish swimming pool area. For design-conscious couples, in a top location.
• Château La Villatade has multi-rooms cottages for groups, but we're big fans of the domaine's smaller cottages, perfect for romantic, wine-loving couples to hide away after tours and tastings of the château's winery. An intimate spot with its own vineyards and olive groves.
• Les Chambres d'Aimé offers a stylish stay for grown-ups in a 19th-century stone house in central Carcassonne. Tuck in to generous breakfasts, unwind on the terrace or soak up the sun by the pool before retreating to one of five well-proportioned rooms. A couples' favourite.
• Hôtel la Residence is a family-owned boutique hotel in central Narbonne. Housed in a charming 19th-century mansion, each of the 26 rooms is individually decorated. Savour big buffet breakfasts of regional produce, taste Aude region wine at the bar, and stroll to Narbonne's main sites with ease. Stylish, romantic and well-located.

FOR FAMILIES

• Domaine LaCoste is a cosy B&B with wonderful family-friendly facilties, including babysitting services, games for little ones, safety gates, a big swimming pool and lots of green space. With just three guestrooms, this is a tranquil, private choice: book the whole place for an extended family holiday.
• Château Capitoul & Villas offers a collection of gorgeous suites and private, multi-room villas for indulgent rural retreats with the whole family. Grown-ups can unwind at the spa or taste the hotel's own vintages whilst little ones play at the kids club. Gather for tennis, pétanque, cycling or pool swims. The largest villas have private pools. A gem.
• B&B Demeure Saint Louis is an 18th-century guesthouse just outside Carcassonne. As well as having five B&B rooms, the building boasts five expansive apartments — some with contemporary furnishings, others with classic antiques — offering space for 4 to 10 guests. Ideal for a group or family holiday, with the benefit of superb city views and well-equipped kitchens.
• La Bastide Cabezac is a wonderful small hotel with family rooms, a large swimming pool and a great traditional restaurant. The building itself, with its ochre-painted exterior and blue shutters, is gorgeous. A friendly family favourite.
• Le Château de Palaja has simple, white-on-white rooms and suites within a historic mansion in the lovely village of Palaja. With family suites, a swimming pool, extensive gardens, table tennis, pétanque and bikes for hire, this is a brilliant family or group holiday choice. There are hiking, horse riding and biking trails in the area.
• Domaine de Capiès is a gorgeous collection of cottages with fresh, airy interiors. Some — including the main farmhouse — have multiple bedrooms, perfect for families or groups of friends holidaying together. The swimming pool and gardens are a delight.

For a Rural Retreat

• Château de Cavanac promises an idyllic, ivy-cloaked rural retreat, with traditional guestrooms featuring floral prints and big, garden-facing windows. With a pool, tennis court and traditional restaurant, this is a a restful countryside choice.
• La Bastide Saint Martin has 15 rooms with stone floors and cosy beds in a pretty sandstone country house with blue shutters. The swimming pool, large gardens and restaurant are great, and the feel is low-key and relaxed. A charming escape for couples, friends or families.
• Château des Ducs de Joyeuse is an elegant 16th-century castle with traditional rooms and suites. Close to the banks of the Aude River, this is a wonderfully relaxing retreat for guests of all ages, who can dine in style at the gourmet restaurant, after days of hiking, cycling, horse riding and kayaking. A charming Aude escape.
• Ecuries de Sainte Croix is a rustic stone farmhouse with two rooms and three self-catering cottages in the countryside close to Carcassonne. Expect simple furnishings, garden access, hearty breakfasts and a laid-back feel. Affordable and owner-run, perfect for quiet couples or keen hikers.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY Villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Perpignan Airport or to Carcassonne Airport, and travel to your destination by car, bus or train. Visitors from regional hubs — such as Paris, Toulouse or Marseille — can travel to most destinations in Aude by train.
• The Aude is wonderful for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit between May and September for temperatures ranging from 21°C - 30°C, but do be aware that this is also peak season in Aude. For fewer crowds, great hotel deals and cooler temperatures for big hikes or cycle rides, travel in April or October.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in the Pyrénées-Orientales.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in France.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Aude